Convicted killer of two receives life plus 40 years
Woman tells Wade that he ripped family ‘into shreds’
JACKSON - Chermaine Owens spoke to Johnny Wade Thursday afternoon, telling him her son and husband died because of his actions in January 2014.
“Because of him, our family has been ripped into shreds,” she said in court. “Because of him, my youngest son was robbed of his freedom, his life, his education, his friends, and most importantly, his only brother and his dad. The two most important men in his life weren’t able to see him graduate or go to prom.”
Wade was convicted by a jury of killing former Arkansas State football player Markel Owens and his stepfather, Johnny Shivers. The jury decided he would serve life with the possibility of parole on murder charges.
On Thursday afternoon, another 40 years was added to the sentence for the especially aggravated robbery and attempted murder of Owens, her husband, and her oldest son.
“I’m just glad it’s over with. It’s been a long, terrifying, fearful journey for myself and my son,” Owens said. “Hopefully all that will come to an end now, and the rest of them can see what has happened.”
Wade was convicted of killing Markel Owens and Johnny Shivers during a robbery at the family’s home on Walker Road. Owens was also shot during the robbery.
“I wanted to make sure that he remembers that all this is because of him,” Owens said. “He got all of what he deserves. He still has to live with himself. He won’t see the streets again.”
Through Wade’s trial, and a plea deal for Wade’s cousin Derrick, the OwensShivers families have been together. Owens said the family is sticking together, though some days are harder than others.
“It’s definitely not easy. Three years later, it’s not easy,” she said. “I still cry. It’s hard to get through holidays, but we don’t have a choice because of him.”
Another co-defendant is still awaiting trial in the case. Craig Taylor has been convicted of murder in a previous case, but has not been to trial for Markel Owens’ and Johnny Shivers’ deaths.
Family members of both Markel Owens and Johnny Shivers said they wanted to thank the investigators and District Attorney’s office for working to bring justice for their family.
Assistant District Attorney Ben Mayo said in court that Wade still has another trial for conspiracy related to the same case. Another defendant in that case has already been convicted at trial.